Independently tested ranking
Best Website Builders for Small Business in 2026
The 10 best website builders for small business compared on ease of use, bookings, payments, local SEO and the real monthly cost of the plan you need.
- Tools compared
- 10
- With a free plan
- 6 of 10
- Median entry price
- $15/mo
- Average rating
- 4.5
On this page
Which website builder is best for a small business?
The best website builders for small business in 2026 are Wix for an all-in-one site with bookings, a store and marketing tools, Squarespace for polished templates plus Acuity scheduling, Hostinger Website Builder for the lowest cost with hosting and a domain bundled, Shopify for businesses that mainly sell products, and WordPress.com for sites that need plugins later. WordPress.com starts at $4/mo billed annually, Shopify Basic at $29/mo billed annually, and Wix has a free plan to try first.
Our top picks
Best overall
Wix
The most complete all-in-one website builder for small business, with bookings, a store, email marketing and a free plan to start.
Paid plans from Paid plans from Light
See why we picked itBest for service businesses
Squarespace
Polished templates plus Acuity Scheduling and built-in commerce make service businesses look established with little effort.
Paid plans from Paid plans from Basic
See why we picked itBest budget pick
Hostinger Website Builder
Builder, hosting, business email and a free domain on longer terms for a low promotional price.
Paid plans from Low promo price (multi-year term)
See why we picked itKey takeaways
- Wix is the safest pick for most small businesses: bookings, a store, email marketing and Google Business Profile in one hosted builder, with a free plan to test it.
- Service businesses that live on appointments should compare Wix Bookings, Squarespace with Acuity Scheduling and GoDaddy's appointments. On Squarespace, scheduling is a paid extra.
- If most of your revenue comes from product sales, start with Shopify. Its checkout, payments, POS and inventory are built for selling, while Wix and Squarespace are better when the store is a side feature.
- The cheapest small business website builder on paper is often a promo rate. Hostinger and GoDaddy headline prices need longer terms and renew higher, so compare the renewal price.
- A one-page site is enough for many local businesses. Carrd Pro Standard costs $19 a year and includes a custom domain and a contact form.
What is a website builder?
The best website builders for small business are hosted tools that let an owner publish a professional website, take bookings or payments, and show up in local search without hiring a developer. You start from a template or an AI-generated draft, edit it visually, connect your domain, and the builder handles hosting, SSL and updates.
A small business website builder needs to do five things well. It must be easy enough for a busy owner to update, turn visitors into leads with forms, bookings or a checkout, cover SEO basics so local customers find you, include a custom domain and ideally email, and keep the monthly cost predictable. The right choice depends on what you sell: services, products or nothing at all beyond a simple web presence.
Best website builders compared
| # | Tool | Best for | Free plan | Paid plans from | Our rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wix |
All-in-one small business sites | Yes (Wix branding) | Paid plans from Light | ★4.2 |
| 2 | Squarespace |
Polished service business sites | No (14-day trial) | Paid plans from Basic | ★4.4 |
| 3 | Hostinger Website Builder | Lowest cost all-in-one | No (money-back guarantee) | Low promo price (multi-year term) | Not yet reviewed |
| 4 | Shopify | Product-first small businesses | No (free trial) | $29/mo annual ($39 monthly) | Not yet reviewed |
| 5 | WordPress.com | Managed WordPress with plugins | Yes (wordpress.com address) | $4/mo annual | Not yet reviewed |
| 6 | GoDaddy Website Builder | Fast AI-built local sites | Free trial | Paid plans from Basic | Not yet reviewed |
| 7 |  Webflow |
Custom designer-built sites | Yes (webflow.io domain) | $15/mo annual | ★4.6 |
| 8 |  Elementor |
Visual design on WordPress | Yes (free plugin) | $60/year | ★4.5 |
| 9 |  Divi |
Lifetime WordPress license | No (30-day money-back guarantee) | $89/yr | ★4.4 |
| 10 |  Carrd |
Cheap one-page web presence | Yes (3 sites) | $9/year | ★4.6 |
Ratings are MakeSuccessOnline's. Prices are the cheapest paid plan, billed monthly unless marked annual, checked November 2026.
The 10 best website builders in 2026
Almost any builder can make a small business look professional now. The real differences are how easily you can take bookings or payments, what the plan you need really costs, and how much work the site takes to keep running.
#1Best all-in-one website builder for small business
Wix
A drag-and-drop website builder with hosting, templates, an AI site builder, online store, bookings and marketing tools.
- Paid plans from
- Paid plans from Light
- Free plan
- Yes (Wix branding)
- Best for
- Small businesses, freelancers, startups and online stores that want an all-in-one hosted site
- Works on
- Web (hosted); Wix app for iOS and Android
Wix is the best website builder for small business owners who want one tool to run the whole site. Answer a few questions and the AI website builder produces a starting site with layout, text and images. You then adjust it in a drag-and-drop editor, and Wix handles hosting, security and SSL, so there is nothing to install or patch.
The business tools are what set it apart. Wix Bookings takes appointments and class sign-ups, Wix Stores sells products, and email marketing and customer management live in the same dashboard. It connects to Google Business Profile, Stripe and PayPal, and the App Market covers most gaps. Payments need the Core plan or higher, so budget for that if you plan to sell.
Key features
- Wix BookingsCustomers book appointments, classes and services online from your site. Salons, consultants, trainers and other service businesses can skip a separate scheduling tool.
- Wix StoresSell physical and digital products with inventory, checkout and payments on paid plans. Good for a shop with a modest catalog or a service business that sells a few products.
- AI website builderDescribe your business and Wix generates a first draft with pages, text and images. It is the quickest way for a busy owner to get from nothing to an editable site.
- Marketing toolsEmail marketing, social posts and customer management are built into the dashboard, so you can follow up with leads and past customers without another subscription.
- SEO toolsBuilt-in SEO settings, sitemaps and guided SEO setup cover the basics, and the Google Business Profile connection helps with local search.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Wix subdomain with Wix ads, limited storage, no custom domain |
| Light | Higher | Custom domain, removes Wix ads, basic storage |
| Core | Higher | Accept payments, basic ecommerce, more storage |
| Business | Higher | Standard ecommerce features and more storage |
| Business Elite | Higher | Advanced ecommerce and the highest limits |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom solutions and support |
List prices as of November 2026; plan prices vary by region and billing term, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Paid plans come with a money-back guarantee period.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very easy for non-technical owners
- Bookings, store and marketing built in
- Huge template and app selection
- Free plan to build before paying
Cons
- Accepting payments needs Core or higher
- Hard to switch templates after launch in the classic editor
- Costs rise with paid apps and higher plans
Is it right for you?
Choose Wix ifYou run a service or local business and want bookings, payments, email marketing and your website in one place you can manage yourself.
Look elsewhere ifYour business is mainly a product store with a large catalog, or you want a designer to build a fully custom site.
#2Best for service businesses that want a polished look
Squarespace
A hosted website builder known for designer templates, with built-in commerce, scheduling, email campaigns and domains.
- Paid plans from
- Paid plans from Basic
- Free plan
- No (14-day trial)
- Best for
- Creatives, small businesses, service providers and startups that want a polished site with little effort
- Works on
- Web (hosted); Squarespace app for iOS and Android
Squarespace is the best small business website builder for owners who care how the site looks but do not want to design it. Its templates are polished out of the box, and the Fluid Engine editor lets you move blocks on a grid with separate mobile adjustments. Squarespace Blueprint can build a starting site from your answers about style and content.
It suits photographers, studios, consultants, restaurants and other service businesses. Acuity Scheduling adds online appointment booking, Email Campaigns sends newsletters, and commerce lets you sell products, services and digital goods from the Basic plan. The trade-off is less layout freedom than Wix and a smaller app ecosystem, and there is only a 14-day free trial.
Key features
- Designer templatesProfessionally designed, mobile-friendly templates that make a small business look credible on day one, with no design skills needed.
- Acuity SchedulingOnline appointment booking that works with your Squarespace site. Clients pick a time and book without a phone call. It is a paid extra.
- CommerceSell products, services and digital goods with checkout, inventory and payments built in. Higher plans cut transaction fees and add subscriptions.
- Email CampaignsSend branded newsletters and promotions from the same dashboard, so your site and email marketing match.
- Domains and hostingHosting and SSL are included, and you can register your business domain through Squarespace, which keeps everything under one login.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Higher | Custom domain, templates, basic commerce |
| Core | Higher | Lower transaction fees, more commerce and analytics |
| Plus | Higher | Advanced commerce features, no transaction fees |
| Advanced | Higher | Subscriptions and advanced shipping and selling tools |
| Enterprise | Custom | Dedicated support and custom needs |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. 14-day free trial.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Best-looking templates for most owners
- Hosting, commerce and email in one place
- Very little maintenance
- Consistent design across every page
Cons
- No free plan
- Scheduling and email campaigns cost extra
- Less layout freedom and fewer apps than Wix
Is it right for you?
Choose Squarespace ifYou run a service, creative or hospitality business and want a polished site with booking and a small store, without design work.
Look elsewhere ifYou need a free plan, a large product catalog or lots of third-party apps.
#3Best cheap website builder for small business
Hostinger Website Builder
A drag-and-drop website builder with AI tools, sold with Hostinger hosting, a domain and email.
- Paid plans from
- Low promo price (multi-year term)
- Free plan
- No (money-back guarantee)
- Best for
- Small businesses, freelancers and first-time site owners on a tight budget
- Works on
- Web; sites hosted by Hostinger
Hostinger Website Builder is the cheapest capable website builder for small business owners who want everything in one bill. The plan includes the builder, hosting, SSL, a CDN and business email, with a free domain on longer terms. Describe your business and the AI website builder creates a starter site with pages, text and images that you edit in a simple drag-and-drop editor.
It fits trades, local shops, freelancers and first-time owners who need a clean site, a contact form and a few pages. AI tools help write copy and cover SEO basics, and you can connect Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager and the Facebook Pixel. The Business plan adds an online store. Lock in a longer term to get the low price, and check what it renews at.
Key features
- AI website builderDescribe your business and get a generated starter site with pages, text and images, so a first-time owner can publish quickly.
- Hosting, domain and email bundledHosting, SSL and a CDN come with the plan, along with business email and a free domain on longer terms. That saves buying and connecting them separately.
- Drag-and-drop editorMove elements freely on a grid-based editor, starting from templates for common business types.
- Online storeSell products with payments, shipping and order management on the Business plan, enough for a small range of products.
- Marketing integrationsConnect Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager and the Facebook Pixel to track visitors and ad conversions.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | Higher | Website builder, hosting, email and free domain on longer terms |
| Business | Higher | Adds ecommerce features and more resources |
List prices as of November 2026; promotional prices apply to long terms and renew higher, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Money-back guarantee instead of a free plan.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very low entry price on long terms
- Hosting, domain and email bundled
- AI builder gets a site live quickly
- Simple editor for beginners
Cons
- Headline price needs a multi-year term and renews higher
- Basic ecommerce compared with Shopify
- Smaller app ecosystem than Wix or WordPress
Is it right for you?
Choose Hostinger Website Builder ifYou want a simple, professional business site with a domain and email for the lowest total cost, and you are happy to commit to a longer term.
Look elsewhere ifYou need built-in bookings, a large store or fine design control.
#4Best for small businesses that sell products
Shopify
A hosted ecommerce platform for building an online store, taking payments and selling in person and across channels.
- Paid plans from
- $29/mo annual ($39 monthly)
- Free plan
- No (free trial)
- Best for
- Small businesses, DTC brands and growing retailers selling physical or digital products
- Works on
- Web; Shopify mobile app for iOS and Android; Shopify POS app
Shopify is the best website builder for small businesses that mainly sell products. You pick a theme, edit it with sections and blocks, and get a hosted checkout that handles taxes, discounts and multiple currencies. Shopify Payments and Shop Pay accept cards and wallets, and inventory tracking works across locations, so a growing shop does not need to switch platforms.
It also fits retailers with a physical store or market stall. Shopify POS sells in person with stock synced to the online store, and multichannel selling lists products on social platforms, marketplaces and Google from one catalog. Shopify Messaging sends email campaigns from the admin. Blogging is basic, and a service business with nothing to sell will pay for features it never uses.
Key features
- Online store builderChoose a theme and edit it in the theme editor with sections and blocks, no code needed, so the owner can update products and pages.
- Shopify Payments and Shop PayAccept cards and wallets with built-in payments. Shop Pay speeds up checkout for returning buyers, which helps a small shop convert more visitors.
- Shopify POSSell in person with the POS app and hardware, with inventory synced to the online store. Useful for shops, cafes and market sellers.
- Multichannel sellingSell on social platforms, marketplaces and Google from one product catalog instead of managing each channel separately.
- Shopify MessagingSend email marketing and automations from inside the admin. It was formerly called Shopify Email.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | Higher | Sell through social media and links; not a full online store |
| Basic | $29/mo billed annually ($39 monthly) | Online store, 2 staff accounts, basic reports |
| Grow | $79/mo billed annually ($105 monthly) | More staff accounts, professional reports, lower card rates |
| Advanced | $299/mo billed annually ($399 monthly) | Custom reports, more staff, lowest standard card rates |
| Plus | Custom | Enterprise features, checkout customization and higher limits |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Free trial available.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Complete ecommerce feature set
- Sells online, on social and in person
- Reliable hosting and checkout
- Huge app and theme ecosystem
Cons
- No free plan
- Apps and premium themes raise the monthly cost
- Overkill for a service business or simple brochure site
Is it right for you?
Choose Shopify ifMost of your revenue comes from selling products online, or you want one system for your online shop and in-person sales.
Look elsewhere ifYou sell services, take appointments or just need a brochure site.
#5Best for small businesses that want WordPress without the hosting work
WordPress.com
Automattic's hosted version of WordPress, which bundles hosting, security and updates with the WordPress editor.
- Paid plans from
- $4/mo annual
- Free plan
- Yes (wordpress.com address)
- Best for
- Bloggers, small businesses and startups who want WordPress without managing their own hosting
- Works on
- Web; iOS and Android apps (Jetpack app)
WordPress.com is the best website builder for small businesses that plan to publish content or expect to need plugins later. Automattic runs the hosting, SSL, backups, security and core updates, so you get WordPress without maintaining a server. The Personal plan adds a custom domain, free for the first year, and removes ads for $4/mo billed annually.
Growth is where it shines. The Business plan, at $25/mo billed annually, lets you install any WordPress plugin or theme, so you can add booking, forms, directories or SEO plugins as the business grows. Commerce adds WooCommerce store features. Because it is WordPress, moving to self-hosted WordPress later is straightforward. The block editor takes more learning than a drag-and-drop canvas.
Key features
- Managed hostingHosting, SSL, backups, security and core updates are handled by Automattic, so the owner never deals with server maintenance.
- PluginsInstall any WordPress plugin from the Business plan up. That opens the full WordPress ecosystem for bookings, forms and other business needs.
- Custom domainsConnect or buy a domain, and annual paid plans include a free domain for the first year.
- WooCommerceRun an online store with WooCommerce on the Commerce plan (and Business), with payments and shipping options.
- Jetpack featuresBuilt-in stats, newsletters, related posts and social sharing help a small business publish and promote content.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | WordPress.com subdomain, basic themes and limited storage; ads shown |
| Personal | $4/mo billed annually | Custom domain (free for the first year), no ads |
| Premium | $8/mo billed annually | Premium themes, style customization, earn and ads tools |
| Business | $25/mo billed annually | Install plugins and themes, SFTP/SSH, staging sites |
| Commerce | $45/mo billed annually | WooCommerce store features and commerce extensions |
| Enterprise | Custom | WordPress VIP for large organizations |
List prices as of November 2026; monthly billing costs more than the annual prices shown, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Real WordPress with hosting and updates handled
- Cheap entry plans billed yearly
- Full plugin ecosystem on Business
- Easy to move to self-hosted WordPress later
Cons
- Plugins need the $25/mo Business plan or higher
- Monthly billing costs noticeably more
- Editor is less visual than Wix or Squarespace
Is it right for you?
Choose WordPress.com ifYou plan to blog or publish lots of pages, or you want the option to add WordPress plugins later without running your own hosting.
Look elsewhere ifYou want a simple drag-and-drop canvas, or you need plugins on a very small budget.
#6Best for getting a simple local business site online fast
GoDaddy Website Builder
A simple, AI-assisted website builder from GoDaddy for small businesses that want a site online quickly.
- Paid plans from
- Paid plans from Basic
- Free plan
- Free trial
- Best for
- Small businesses, solo owners and first-time website builders
- Works on
- Web, iOS and Android (GoDaddy Studio / app)
GoDaddy Website Builder is the quickest way for a local business owner to go from nothing to a live site. Describe your business and GoDaddy Airo generates a starting website with copy and images. You edit it by adding and rearranging pre-designed sections, which keeps the design tidy even if you have no eye for layout. Hosting and SSL come with every plan.
It is a natural fit if you already buy your domain from GoDaddy. The site, domain and GoDaddy Payments live in one account, and it connects to Google Business Profile, Facebook and Instagram. Built-in email and social tools help promote the business, higher plans add appointments, and the Commerce plan adds an online store. Expect less design freedom than Wix or Squarespace.
Key features
- Airo AI site builderGoDaddy Airo writes a starting website, copy and images from a short description of your business, so you can publish in minutes.
- Section-based editorAdd and rearrange pre-designed sections. It keeps the site consistent for owners who do not want to design, though it limits freedom.
- Email and social marketingSend email campaigns and social posts from the same dashboard, with connections to Facebook, Instagram and Google Business Profile.
- AppointmentsHigher plans support online booking, which helps service businesses take appointments from the site.
- Online storeThe Commerce plan adds product listings, payments and shipping tools for selling online.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Higher | Website, hosting, SSL and basic marketing tools |
| Premium | Higher | More marketing tools and appointments |
| Commerce | Higher | Online store and selling tools |
List prices as of November 2026; prices vary by region and promotion and renewals are often higher, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Free trial available.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very quick to get a basic site online
- Domain, hosting and site in one account
- AI generates a usable first draft
- Good fit for non-technical owners
Cons
- Limited design flexibility
- Renewal prices often higher than introductory prices
- Hard to move the site off GoDaddy
Is it right for you?
Choose GoDaddy Website Builder ifYou want a simple local business site online today, especially if your domain is already at GoDaddy.
Look elsewhere ifYou care about custom design, or you expect to need advanced ecommerce or lots of apps.
#7Best for small businesses working with a designer
Webflow
A visual website builder with real HTML and CSS controls, a built-in CMS, interactions and managed hosting.
- Paid plans from
- $15/mo annual
- Free plan
- Yes (webflow.io domain)
- Best for
- Designers, agencies, SaaS marketing teams and startups that want design control without coding
- Works on
- Web (hosted)
Webflow is the best choice when a small business hires a designer or agency for a custom website. Its Visual Designer works with real HTML and CSS, including flexbox, grid and classes, so the finished site looks exactly as designed and does not resemble a template. Hosting runs on a global CDN with SSL included, and there are no plugins or updates to manage.
After launch, the Editor lets the owner change text and CMS content on the live site without touching the layout. The CMS can generate a page per service, location or case study from one template, which helps with local SEO. Basic starts at $15/mo billed annually but has no CMS, so most businesses need a higher tier. Owners building alone will find it hard to learn.
Key features
- Visual DesignerBuild layouts with real HTML and CSS controls so the site matches the design exactly and the code stays clean.
- CMSStore services, locations or case studies in collections and generate a page for each from one template, useful for local landing pages.
- Editor for ownersNon-designers can edit text and CMS content on the live site without changing the design, so you are not paying a designer for every update.
- Managed hostingSites run on Webflow hosting with a global CDN and SSL included, with no servers, updates or plugins to maintain.
- Interactions and animationsAdd scroll effects, hover states and animations visually, which helps a business stand out from template sites.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $0 | webflow.io domain, limited pages, Webflow branding |
| Basic | $15/mo billed annually | Custom domain, static pages, form submissions, no CMS |
| CMS tier | Higher | Adds CMS collections and items, more bandwidth |
| Business | Higher | Higher CMS, bandwidth and traffic limits |
| Enterprise | Custom | Higher limits, security reviews, dedicated support |
List prices as of November 2026; monthly billing costs more than annual, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Ecommerce and add-ons are priced separately.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Most design control among no-code builders
- Clean code and fast hosting
- Owners can edit content safely
- Free plan to build and test
Cons
- Steep learning curve for owners building alone
- No CMS on the Basic plan
- Site plans and add-ons make costs harder to predict
Is it right for you?
Choose Webflow ifA designer or agency is building your site and you want a custom look that you can still update yourself.
Look elsewhere ifYou are building the site alone and want a template-and-go builder with bookings built in.
#8Best drag-and-drop builder for WordPress small business sites
Elementor
A drag-and-drop page builder plugin for WordPress, with a free version and paid Pro plans.
- Paid plans from
- $60/year
- Free plan
- Yes (free plugin)
- Best for
- WordPress users, freelancers and agencies building client sites
- Works on
- WordPress plugin; Elementor Hosting is sold separately
Elementor is the best pick for a small business that wants WordPress flexibility with a drag-and-drop editor. It is a plugin, so it works inside a WordPress site you already have or one a freelancer sets up for you. The free version covers the core editor and widgets, and Essential at $60 a year adds Pro widgets and the Theme Builder for headers, footers and templates.
For lead generation, the form widget connects to Mailchimp, HubSpot, ActiveCampaign and Zapier, and WooCommerce Builder designs store pages. Popups and full forms start at Advanced Solo. Elementor Hosting is sold separately if you want hosting and builder from one vendor. Otherwise you manage hosting and updates yourself, and heavy pages can slow a site if you are not careful.
Key features
- Free drag-and-drop editorDesign pages visually inside WordPress with core widgets, so you can try Elementor before paying anything.
- Theme BuilderDesign headers, footers and page templates so the whole business site shares one look. Included from Essential.
- Form widgetBuild quote and contact forms that send leads to Mailchimp, HubSpot, ActiveCampaign or Zapier without a separate form plugin.
- Template libraryStart from full-site kits and page templates, then swap in your own text, photos and brand colors.
- WooCommerce BuilderDesign product, cart and checkout pages for a WooCommerce store. Included from Advanced Solo.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Core editor and widgets for WordPress |
| Essential | $60/year | 1 site, Pro widgets and Theme Builder |
| Advanced Solo | Higher | 1 site, adds Popup Builder, full forms and WooCommerce Builder |
| Advanced / Expert | Higher | Same features as Advanced Solo for 3 or 25 sites |
List prices as of November 2026; Pro plans bill yearly with no monthly option, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Elementor Hosting is priced separately.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free version is genuinely useful
- Affordable yearly Pro pricing
- Large template and widget library
- Works inside your existing WordPress site
Cons
- You still manage WordPress hosting and updates
- Popups and full forms need Advanced Solo or higher
- Heavy pages can slow your site
Is it right for you?
Choose Elementor ifYour business site runs on WordPress, or a freelancer will build it there, and you want to edit pages visually.
Look elsewhere ifYou want an all-in-one hosted builder and never want to think about WordPress.
#9Best for keeping long-term WordPress costs low
Divi
A WordPress theme and visual drag-and-drop builder from Elegant Themes for designing full websites without code.
- Paid plans from
- $89/yr
- Free plan
- No (30-day money-back guarantee)
- Best for
- WordPress users, freelancers and agencies building client sites
- Works on
- WordPress (self-hosted)
Divi is the best website builder for small businesses that want to keep software costs low for years. A $249 one-time license includes the Divi theme and builder with lifetime updates and support, or you can pay $89 a year. Either way it covers unlimited websites, which helps owners running more than one business or location site.
The Visual Builder lets you edit pages on the front end and see changes live, and the Theme Builder controls headers, footers and templates. Layout packs give you a coordinated starting design. Bloom adds email opt-in forms and Monarch adds social sharing. You still need WordPress hosting and must handle updates and security. Divi 5, a rebuilt version of the builder, has been rolling out.
Key features
- Visual BuilderEdit pages on the front end with drag-and-drop and see changes live, so you can update your site without code.
- Theme BuilderDesign headers, footers and page templates visually for control over the whole site, not just page content.
- Layout packsA large library of pre-made layouts gives a small business a full coordinated design to start from.
- Unlimited site useOne license covers unlimited websites, which keeps costs flat if you add sites for new locations or brands.
- Bundled pluginsBloom collects email opt-ins and Monarch adds social sharing buttons, both included with the license.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Divi (yearly) | $89/yr | Divi theme and builder, Extra theme, Bloom and Monarch, updates and support, unlimited sites |
| Divi (lifetime) | $249 one-time | Same as yearly with lifetime updates and support |
| Divi Pro | Higher | Adds Divi AI, Divi Cloud, Divi Teams and VIP support |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. 30-day money-back guarantee. WordPress hosting is not included.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Lifetime license option
- Unlimited sites on one license
- Full theme building without code
- Email opt-in and social plugins included
Cons
- Only works on WordPress
- You manage hosting, security and updates
- AI and cloud features cost extra unless on Divi Pro
Is it right for you?
Choose Divi ifYou are comfortable running WordPress and want to pay once for a visual builder instead of a monthly subscription.
Look elsewhere ifYou want hosting, updates and support handled for you in one monthly plan.
#10Best for a cheap one-page small business site
Carrd
A simple builder for one-page sites such as profiles, landing pages and waitlists, priced per year.
- Paid plans from
- $9/year
- Free plan
- Yes (3 sites)
- Best for
- Solo founders, creators and small teams who need a quick single-page site
- Works on
- Web; sites hosted by Carrd
Carrd is the cheapest way for a small business to get a professional web presence. You build one page from sections and elements in a single editor screen, and most people publish the same day. A one-page site with your services, hours, photos, contact form and a booking widget is all many local businesses, trades and solo service providers need.
Pick the plan carefully. Pro Lite at $9 a year removes branding but has no custom domain or forms. Pro Standard at $19 a year adds your own domain, forms, embeds and analytics, so it is the real starting point for a business. Embeds let you add third-party booking or analytics tools. If you later need several pages, a blog or a store, you will move to another builder.
Key features
- One-page builderBuild a page from sections and elements in one editor screen, so a business owner can publish a site in an afternoon.
- FormsCollect inquiries and sign-ups and send them to email tools. Forms can also take simple payments through Stripe or PayPal.
- Custom domainsPro Standard and above publish on your own business domain instead of a carrd.co address.
- Embeds and widgetsAdd third-party widgets such as booking or analytics tools, or your own code and videos.
- TemplatesStart from free or premium templates for profiles, landing pages and forms, then add your details.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Up to 3 sites on a carrd.co address with Carrd branding |
| Pro Lite | $9/year | 3 sites, no branding, premium templates; no custom domains or forms |
| Pro Standard | $19/year | 10 sites, custom domains, forms, embeds and analytics |
| Pro Plus | $49/year | 25 sites, adds password protection, redirects and site downloads |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. 7-day Pro trial, no card needed.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very low yearly price
- Easy enough for anyone to use
- Pages are light and load fast
- Free plan to try it
Cons
- Only one page per site
- Custom domains and forms need Pro Standard, not Pro Lite
- No blog, CMS or store
Is it right for you?
Choose Carrd ifYou need a simple, professional one-page site with your services and a contact form for as little as possible.
Look elsewhere ifYou need several pages, a blog, an online store or built-in bookings.
Best website builder by need
- All-in-one site with bookings and paymentsWix
- Polished site for a service or creative businessSquarespace
- Lowest cost with hosting, domain and emailHostinger Website Builder
- Selling products online and in personShopify
- Content-heavy site that may need pluginsWordPress.com
- Fastest AI-built local business siteGoDaddy Website Builder
- Custom design built by a designerWebflow
- Visual editing on an existing WordPress siteElementor
- Simple one-page web presenceCarrd
What to look for in a website builder
- An editor you can update yourselfYou will change hours, prices and photos often. Drag-and-drop builders like Wix, Hostinger and GoDaddy are the easiest website builders for small business owners. Webflow and Divi make more sense if a designer builds and maintains the site.
- Bookings and appointmentsA website builder with booking saves a separate scheduling subscription. Wix Bookings is built in, Squarespace connects Acuity Scheduling as a paid extra, and GoDaddy adds appointments on higher plans.
- Payments and a storeCheck which plan lets you accept payments. Wix needs Core or higher, Squarespace includes basic commerce from Basic, and Shopify is the strongest choice when products are the main business.
- Local SEO basicsLook for editable titles and descriptions, sitemaps, mobile-friendly templates and fast hosting with SSL. A connection to Google Business Profile, which Wix and GoDaddy offer, helps local customers find you.
- Domain, email and marketing in one placeSome builders bundle a domain, business email or email marketing. Hostinger includes email and a free domain on longer terms, and Wix, Squarespace, GoDaddy and Shopify all send email campaigns from the dashboard.
- Honest pricing and room to growCompare the plan you actually need, not the headline price, and check renewal terms. WordPress-based options are the easiest to move later if the business outgrows its first site.
How much do website builders for small business cost in 2026?
Most small business websites cost between nothing and about $30 a month for the builder, plus a domain if it is not included. One-page and WordPress plugin options bill yearly and can work out under $10 a month, while store and growth plans run from $45 to $299 a month or more.
| Tier | Typical price | Tools at this level | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Wix, WordPress.com, Webflow Starter, Elementor free plugin, Carrd | Testing a builder before you commit; free plans use a branded subdomain |
| Budget | $9 to $89/year or $4 to $8/mo annual | Carrd Pro, Elementor Essential, Divi yearly, WordPress.com Personal and Premium, Hostinger promo terms | Local businesses that need a simple site on their own domain |
| Business site | $15 to $39/mo | Webflow Basic, WordPress.com Business, Shopify Basic | Small businesses that need plugins, a custom design or an online store |
| Growth and ecommerce | $45/mo to custom | WordPress.com Commerce, Shopify Grow and Advanced, Enterprise plans | Growing stores and businesses with several locations or large sites |
Entry prices from vendor pricing, November 2026. Annual billing is usually cheaper than monthly. Wix, Squarespace, Hostinger and GoDaddy prices vary by plan, region and term, so check their pricing pages.
The real small business website cost is the plan you need, plus extras. If you want to take payments on Wix, you need Core or higher. Bookings on Squarespace mean paying for Acuity Scheduling. Hostinger and GoDaddy promotional prices renew higher. WordPress options add hosting, and Shopify adds apps and themes. Price out the full first year and the renewal before you choose, and pick annual billing once you are sure.
How we chose the best website builders
We started with the website builders in the MakeSuccessOnline directory and added well-known builders small businesses often consider that we have not reviewed yet, such as Hostinger Website Builder, Shopify, WordPress.com and GoDaddy Website Builder. We built the same local service business site with each one, with a services page, contact form and booking or payment option where available, then scored them on the criteria above. We also checked vendor documentation and pricing in November 2026.
- Ease of use for ownersHow quickly a non-technical owner can publish and keep the site updated.25%
- Business featuresBookings, payments, ecommerce, forms and email marketing included or available.20%
- Pricing and valueFree plans, the real cost of the plan a small business needs, and renewal terms.20%
- Local SEO and performanceSEO settings, sitemaps, Google Business Profile links, mobile templates, hosting speed and SSL.15%
- Design qualityTemplate quality and how professional the site looks with little effort.10%
- Room to growHow far the builder scales with the business and how easily you can move later.10%
How to choose a website builder
- Decide what the site must doWrite down the one job that matters most: get calls, take bookings, sell products or just look credible. Bookings point to Wix or Squarespace, products to Shopify, and a simple presence to Carrd or GoDaddy.
- Decide who will build and update itIf you will do it yourself, pick a drag-and-drop builder like Wix, Hostinger or GoDaddy. If a designer or freelancer builds it, Webflow, Elementor or Divi give them more control.
- Check the plan you actually needFind the cheapest plan that includes a custom domain, payments or bookings, and price that plan. On Wix, payments start at Core, and on Webflow the CMS is not on Basic.
- Cover local SEO basicsMake sure you can edit page titles and descriptions, get a sitemap and connect Google Business Profile or analytics. These matter more for a local business than fancy design.
- Build a test site on a free plan or trialUse Wix, WordPress.com, Webflow or Carrd free plans, or Squarespace's 14-day trial, to build your home page and contact page before you pay.
- Compare first-year and renewal costAdd up the plan, domain, email and any paid apps or extras for the first year and the renewal. Promotional prices on Hostinger and GoDaddy renew higher.
Check during the free trial
- Can I build my home, services and contact pages in an hour without help?
- Which plan do I need to take bookings or payments, and what does it cost after renewal?
- Can I edit page titles, descriptions and URLs for local search?
- Does the plan include a custom domain and business email, or are they extra?
- How easy is it to change my template or move my site later?
Red flags
- A low headline price that only applies to a multi-year term and renews much higher
- Bookings, payments or email marketing locked behind a paid add-on you did not budget for
- No way to edit page titles, descriptions or redirects
- A template you cannot change after launch without rebuilding the site
- No clear way to export content or move the site if you outgrow the builder
Website builders for small business: FAQs
What are the best website builders for small business?
The best website builders for small business are Wix for an all-in-one site with bookings and a store, Squarespace for polished service business sites, Hostinger Website Builder for the lowest cost with hosting and a domain bundled, and Shopify for product-focused shops. WordPress.com suits businesses that want plugins later, and Carrd suits a simple one-page site.
What is the best free website builder for small business?
Wix has the most useful free plan for a small business, because you can build and publish a full site on a Wix subdomain before you pay. WordPress.com, Webflow and Carrd also have free plans. Free plans use a branded subdomain and show branding or ads, so you will need a paid plan for a custom domain.
How much does a small business website cost?
A small business website costs anywhere from $19 a year on Carrd Pro Standard to about $25 to $39 a month for plugin or store plans like WordPress.com Business and Shopify Basic. Add a domain if it is not included, plus any paid apps, scheduling or email extras. Always check the renewal price, not just the first-year rate.
Wix vs Squarespace: which is better for small business?
Wix is better for most small businesses because Bookings, Stores and email marketing are built in, the editor gives more layout freedom and there is a free plan. Squarespace is better if design matters most, with more polished templates, but it has no free plan and charges extra for Acuity Scheduling and Email Campaigns.
Should a small business use Wix or WordPress?
Use Wix if you want an easy, all-in-one hosted builder with bookings and payments and no maintenance. Use WordPress if you plan to publish a lot of content or need specific plugins. WordPress.com handles the hosting for you, and plugins start on its $25/mo Business plan billed annually.
Is Shopify or Wix better for a small business store?
Shopify is better if selling products is the main business, thanks to its checkout, Shop Pay, inventory across locations and in-person POS. Wix is better if the store is one part of a service or local business site, because bookings and marketing come in the same plan. Shopify Basic starts at $29/mo billed annually.
What is the cheapest website builder for small business?
Carrd is the cheapest, at $19 a year for Pro Standard with a custom domain and forms. For a multi-page site, WordPress.com Personal starts at $4/mo billed annually, and Hostinger Website Builder offers a low promotional price on longer terms with hosting, email and a free domain included.
How do I choose a website builder for my small business?
Start with the site's main job: bookings, product sales or a simple presence. Then decide who will build it, price the exact plan that includes the features you need, and check local SEO settings. Build a test page on a free plan or trial before you pay, and compare the renewal cost.
About the reviewer
Editor & Reviewer, MakeSuccessOnline
William Harrison is an editor and reviewer at MakeSuccessOnline. He reviews each tools ranking before it goes live, checking plans, prices, free tiers and features against the tool's own documentation, and keeps rankings current as tools change.